Health Reform 101 – What is Open Enrollment?

September 03, 2013

For Immediate Release:

SAINT PAUL, MN – On October 1, open enrollment will begin for individuals and families to buy a health plan through MNsure, Minnesota’s online health insurance marketplace. Plan coverage will begin January 1, 2014.

If you don’t have coverage starting January 1, 2014, you may need to pay a fee.
Open enrollment is the best time to explore your options and decide on the best health plan for you and your family. You’ll have the chance to buy new coverage if you don’t have it, or you may be able to find better coverage than what you already have. In addition, if you use MNsure to buy your coverage, you’ll find out if you’re eligible for financial help to lower the cost of your plan.

Don’t wait until you are sick to get coverage.
When open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014, it will be harder to get a health plan. However, you’ll always be able to buy a new plan if you lose your job, get married or divorced, or have a new baby. These and other “qualifying life events” allow you to get coverage during a special enrollment period after the event.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is here to help.
Call our Consumer Response Team at 651-539-1600 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3602 (in Greater Minnesota) if you have any questions about your insurance or if you believe you have been a victim of a scam or fraud.